Announced in July 2024, the description of a new species of leaf beetle (or flea beetle) from the Philippines was published in the Philippine Journal of Science.
Podontia rustiai
𝘗. 𝘳𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘢𝘪 is similar in appearance to 𝘗. 𝘧𝘭𝘢𝘷𝘢 from Borneo, but with key differences in the structures of their genitalia (in males of the species). The newly described beetle takes its name from Mr. Victorio Rustia of Sariaya, Quezon, a retired Senior Agriculturist of DA-RCPC-IVA employee who devoted his career to advocating and promoting organic farming in the Philippines years before it became more widespread in the country.—MF
Reference: Calcetas, Orlando & Staines, Charles. (2024). New Species of the Genus Podontia Dalman (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Galerucinae: Alticini) in the Philippines and Redescription of Podontia flava Baly from Sarawak. Philippine Journal of Science. 153. 10.56899/153.03.13.
Author: Mikael Angelo Francisco
Bitten by the science writing bug, Mikael has years of writing and editorial experience under his belt. As the editor-in-chief of FlipScience, Mikael has sworn to help make science more fun and interesting for geeky readers and casual audiences alike.
